Chapter 329 Her Happiness Mattered
Paxton reported the latest information to Branden. “Mr. Duncan, the Hacker Alliance acted against the Winfreds because they expelled the Alliance’s representative. They’ve completely stopped the Winfreds’ maritime shipping in Oceanvile. Xavier, upon hearing this, got extremely angry and was rushed to the hospital. We don’t know how he’s doing now.”
From Paxton’s report, Branden instantly deduced the situation. The shipping route was like the heart of the Winfred Group. They made a lot of money from it in recent years.
If the Hacker Alliance had the power to cut off the Winfreds’ lifeline, it meant they could destroy them in the blink of an eye. How could Xavier not be anxious?
Branden coldly commented, “”The Winfreds brought this upon themselves!”
Paxton agreed with Branden. In business, honesty was important, and the Winfreds deserved their problems for not being truthful.
“Mr. Duncan, word has it that the Hacker Alliance not only messed up the Winfreds’ business but also sent two pros to snatch Erick.”
When Branden heard this, he stopped chopping vegetables for a moment and glanced out of the kitchen.
Catherine was still busy playing a game. Branden shook his head quietly, wearing a slight smile on his face, and went on listening to Paxton’s report.
“Mr. Duncan, right now, the Winfreds. are actively searching for Erick, and it seems they’re seeking help from the Swanns,” Paxton reported.
In the Four Noble Families of Casier, the Lamberts had strong connections with the Duncans. So, if the Winfreds asked the Swanns for help, it was like asking the Duncans for help.
However, Xavier wouldn’t easily approach the Duncans unless it was a last resort. Other than Lamberts and the Duncans, the remaining options were the Andersons and the Swanns.
The Swanns had a well-established business in Oceanvile, making it a logical choice for the Winfreds to approach first. Branden wasn’t surprised by this.
“Keep a close eye on them,” Branden ordered.
Paxton knew that Branden currently cared about Miss Catherine, so they had to be extra cautious when it came to the Swanns.
“Mr. Duncan, rest assured. Everything is set up,” Paxton said.
“Oh, one more thing!”
Branden stayed calm and just said, “Go on. Paxton went on, “Mr. Duncan, it looks like the people we placed around Miss Swann have been found out. She’s purposely avoiding them. Should we consider sending more people?”
Speaking of this, Paxton felt guilty. Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if this became public? The famous Duncan guard team couldn’t even watch over a young girl?
Paxton had expected Branden to be angry, but Branden remained calm.
“No need. Withdraw them all,” Branden said. Paxton hesitated for a moment but then quickly replied, “Understood, Mr. Duncan.”
Branden had his men watching over Catherine mostly to keep her safe because her sudden return had sparked interest of some greedy people regarding her inheritance. But now that he saw Catherine could handle things on her own, adding more guards would be pointless. There’s a saying, “The eyes are bigger than the stomach.”
Now that Branden knew Catherine could take care of herself and had some skills, adding more people would be pointless.
With her abilities, it wouldn’t be difficult for her to find it. Since she was intentionally avoiding them, it meant she didn’t like their presence.
In that case, then removing the surveillance was the right choice.
Her happiness mattered most.
At the Swann Corporation. It was already quitting time, and the meeting room was brightly lit. Korbin, accompanied by his secretary, personally met with Xavier. The news had spread; Xavier was seriously ill and unconscious in the hospital.
But no one could have expected that the very leader of the Winfreds, who. was rumored to be unconscious, was now in the Swann Corporation’s meeting room negotiating face-to-face with Korbin.
“Mr. Swann, if you can lend a hand this time, I will be extremely grateful,” said Korbin. Both Korbin and Xavier were seasoned players in the business world, known for their polite exteriors but ruthless natures underneath.
Now that Xavier had come knocking on his door, how could Korbin easily let go of this opportunity?
If he didn’t extract something substantial from Xavier, could he still deserve the title of a seasoned player?
“Mr. Winfred, it’s a pleasure to have you here in Casier. You came straight to me with your concerns, which speaks volumes about our mutual respect. If you need a hand, count on me to give it my all,” said Korbin, flashing a polite smile at Xavier.
Then he added, “Rest assured. I will do whatever I can!”
Xavier maintained his composure, trying to appear calm. How could Xavier not understand Korbin’s true intentions?
Despite the polite facade, he knew that Korbin had no real intention of helping him unless he gained concrete benefits.
Given the immense crisis facing the Winfreds right now, Xavier also had to swallow his pride and observe if there was any room for negotiation with the Hacker Alliance.
As for Erick, that pesky kid, he had no choice but to seek the assistance of the Swanns in finding him. Furthermore, he suspected that the Swanns might have played a role in it.
In order to minimize the damage, Xavier had to throw out his most valuable bargaining chip.
“”Thank you, Mr. Swann, for your generous help. If we can find my son this time, I am willing to offer a 20% share of our maritime shipping routes as a token of appreciation!”
Korbin had long been extending his reach into Oceanvile, aiming to expand the Swanns’ territory.
In Casier, as long as the Duncan Corporation was around, there was no room for the Swann Corporation to grow, unless they allied with the Duncan Corporation.
The Duncan Corporation was much more powerful than the Swann Corporation and had no plans to team up with them.
If the Swann Corporation was the one reaching out for cooperation first, it would mean they were in a less favorable position.
Since that plan didn’t work, given Korbin’s eager nature, he naturally sought to grow the Swann Corporation’s influence elsewhere.
Oceanvile was his top priority, but there were several influential families here, making it challenging for him to establish his business there.
Now that the Winfreds were offering their main business, it was like giving Korbin a key to enter Oceanvile.
When Korbin heard about this offer, his eyes lit up instantly, and he struggled to control his emotions, saying, “Mr. Winfred, I’m really moved by your deep love for your son, just like any parents in the world have for their children. We’re close in age, so I can empathize with your emotions. Don’t worry, I’ll. use all our resources to find your son.”
Xavier knew he had made the right bet. He could tell the outcome from Korbin’s unguarded expression. With the chips on the table, he decided to speak straightforwardly.
“Mr. Swann, I wonder if your second daughter could also help?” Xavier inquired. Korbin looked at Xavier with confusion, not sure what he meant. “Catherine?”
Xavier nodded and showed a photo to Korbin. The photo displayed surveillance footage from the Winfreds’ living room, with several people present, including Catherine.
“My son, Erick, was brought back by Catherine, Mr. Swann. I think she might know something,” Xavier explained.
Korbin was astonished. He hadn’t expected Catherine to be involved. Who exactly was Catherine, and why did she seem to be involved in so many things?
